Commode

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

The change from the light and elegant Rococo style, characterized by curving lines and the use of naturalistic motifs, to the more restrained and architectural Neo-Classicism, influenced by classical antiquity, did not happen overnight. In fact, the 1760s were a time of transition during which the cabinetmakers generally adopted the new classical decoration before changing the overall shape of their pieces. This transitional breakfront commode or chest of drawers, which does not bear a maker’s mark, illustrates this very clearly. Although the piece is still supported on gently curving cabriole legs, the gilt-bronze mounts show a preference for Greek and Roman architectural motifs. Rather than with floral marquetry, the exterior surface is decorated with a repetitive geometrical pattern known as parquetry. The various woods are placed in such a way to create not only a striking contrast in color but also in the direction of the grain.

European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

An exhibit at Metropolitan Museum of Art

The fifty thousand objects in the Museum's comprehensive and historically important collection of European sculpture and decorative arts reflect the development of a number of art forms in Western European countries from the early fifteenth through the early twentieth century. The holdings include sculpture in many sizes and media, woodwork and furniture, ceramics and glass, metalwork and jewelry, horological and mathematical instruments, and tapestries and textiles. Ceramics made in Asia for export to European markets and sculpture and decorative arts produced in Latin America during this period are also included among these works.

Metropolitan Museum of Art